How did 'RHOC' star Lauri Peterson's son Josh Waring die? Police probing suspected 'overdose' death
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Josh Waring died on March 31, 2023. The son of 'Real Housewives of Orange County' star Lauri Peterson, has likely passed away from an overdose.
Law enforcement sources informed TMZ that officers responded to a call around 11:30 AM on Easter Sunday at a motel in Orange County. Staff members had alerted them after Josh failed to check out or inform anyone about his departure. Upon entering his room, they discovered Josh's body along with drug paraphernalia and residue. As a result, authorities are treating his death as a "possible overdose".
Josh Waring's life was always marked by a long and challenging struggle with drug addiction and legal issues, which were publicly aired during the initial seasons of 'The Real Housewives of Orange County', where his mother, Lauri Peterson, was a cast member. The reality series, which premiered in 2006, provided viewers with a glimpse into Josh's tumultuous journey.
'RHOC's Lauri Peterson talks about how her son Josh 'fought every single day'
In a heartfelt Instagram post on April 6, Lauri Peterson shared the devastating news alongside family photos of Josh.
"It is with a shattered heart that I write this post to let you know that my sweet Josh left this earth Easter Sunday," Lauri wrote, alongside family photos of her son. "No one can ever prepare you for this feeling of such deep loss. Every fiber in my body hurts. Josh fought every single day for most of his adult life, for his life, but this past Sunday, the challenge was too great."
Reflecting on Josh's vibrant personality and diverse interests, Lauri recalled his childhood filled with intelligence, humor, and a love for outdoor activities and music. Despite facing challenges in adulthood, Josh remained resilient, maintaining his sense of humor and kindness towards others. Lauri also highlighted Josh's deep connection with his daughter, Kennady, and the immense joy she brought him.
"He received the most joy, pride and purpose through his daughter Kennady and watching her grow and thrive over the years," Lauri added, emphasizing the profound impact Josh had on those around him and the enduring love he held for his family.
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Josh Waring's sister Ashley Zarlin opens up about his struggle with 'relentless grip of addiction'
In a heartfelt tribute to her late brother, who passed away on March 31 at the age of 35, Ashley Zarlin shared poignant reflections on his enduring battle with addiction.
"On Easter Sunday, I lost my brother to the relentless grip of addiction," the 39-year-old expressed on Instagram on April 6, accompanied by cherished childhood snapshots of the siblings. "It's a disease that distorts and destroys, leaving behind shattered dreams and broken hearts."
She continued, "He was brilliant and had limitless potential, but addiction veered him off course. My heart aches for the lost opportunities for us to grow together as adults, to share laughter and dreams, the conversations that we will never get to have, and the dreams that will be left unfulfilled. My thoughts linger on the what-ifs, the alternate paths he could have taken if only the system had offered more than empty promises and closed doors."
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Why was Josh Waring sentenced to prison in 2022?
The former reality star’s son first found himself in trouble with the law in 2016 when he was found guilty of shooting a man outside of a sober living home. He was sentenced to four years in prison.
DailyMail reported that he got an early release after he got a plea deal for pleading guilty to “several felony counts including assault with a firearm, evading a police officer, 2 counts of assault, hit-and-run with property damage and battery.”
In 2022, Josh Waring was caught with 'meth and fentanyl' when he was on parole. He admitted guilt to charges including felony possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, among other drug-related offenses.
Consequently, he received a two-year prison sentence, acknowledging 106 days already spent in confinement, as reported by the City News Service. However, he encountered further legal issues when he neglected to comply with probation terms, leading to a warrant for his arrest in January of the following year.
Subsequently, in the subsequent month, Josh faced allegations of assaulting a hospital security guard. Records from the correctional facility indicate his release from custody transpired in March.
